West Indies Women announce their squad for New Zealand ODIs, Sheneta Grimmond and Natasha McLean return

With players like Anisa Mohammed, Deandra Dottin and Kycia Knight missing the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the West Indies cricket board has once again called up Natasha McLean and Sheneta Grimmond. The series is all set to begin from 16th of September and all the matches will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The series will be part of the new Women's Championship cycle. Following the ODI series, the teams will also square off for a five-match T20I series at the same venue.

This will also be the first time when Hayley Matttews will lead the side for the West Indies women. The selectors during the squad announcement also clarified how 6ixty played a role for their selection of the squad. For example, based on her recent performances, Jannillea Glasgow got her maiden call-up in the West Indies team.

This once again played a role in the selection of Natasha McLean and Sheneta Grimmond. Grimmond, who played her last international match in the month of November, was the second leading wicket-taker in the 6ixty and with that performance, she sealed her spot in the 17-member squad. 

The wicketkeeper-batter McLean, on the other hand, played her last international match in September 2020. She didn’t have a memorable tournament, but was called up for the ODI series.

Hayley Matthews will have a promising squad of players to start building with: Ann Browne-John

The chief selector for the women’s cricket team Ann Browne-John considers their series against New Zealand to be an important one. She in her statement also spoke about the proper mix of experience and young blood that this team possesses. Now, it’s to be seen whether it’s an indication for the future or just another series with their senior players missing.

“The New Zealand series is very important on the women's cricket landscape not only because it starts a new cycle, but also because it is part of the preparation leading towards the T20 World Cup in South Africa,” said Ann.

She added, “With a few senior players unavailable at this time, for different reasons, like the experienced Anisa Mohammed, Kycia Knight and recently retired Deandra Dottin, the selectors were still able to get a blend of senior and developing players including Under-19 player Jannillea Glasgow and returning players Natasha McLean and Sheneta Grimmond. Ultimately, we believe that captain Hayley Matthews, in her first series, will have a promising squad of players to start building with.”

West Indies Women ODI squad for New Zealand series: Hayley Matthews (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean (wk), Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams